By YASEMIN TALAT
WYNDHAM’S well known and longest serving councillor Shane Bourke will celebrate 25 years of being in council this week.
Cr Bourke was first elected to the then newly formed City Of Werribee council on Saturday 6 August 1988.
Cr Bourke said it’s been a long haul but it’s not over yet.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” Cr Bourke said.
“I might have one more (term) left in me after this,” he said.
Cr Bourke said one of his fondest memories was working together with the people who make up Wyndham.
“I think just working with people, whether you’re working with the community or with fellow councillors or officers it is just one of those great ensembles where everyone works together,” he said.
A five-time former mayor, Cr Bourke has been proud to see Wyndham grow and develop over the years.
His time as mayor include being the last mayor of Werribee and the inaugural mayor of Wyndham.
“No-one has ever been mayor five times in the last 150 years, so that’s quite unique and I’m proud of that,” he said.
He also had two breaks during the period but always returned.
“There have been lots of changes over all those years,” Cr Bourke said.
“The biggest challenge has been the growth,” he said.
When first joining the council, Cr Bourke estimated Wyndham’s population was about 50,000 and 25 years later the population is set to reach 190,000 by the end of the year.
“That’s been a substantial change for everybody and we’ve had to grow with it,” he said.
Cr Bourke was thankful for his family, especially wife Kerrie, for their endless support over the years.
Cr Bourke and his family have lived in Wyndham for 30 years.
His daughter Amanda was only one when he was first elected into council.
His son Cameron was born when he was a councillor.
“And that’s why it’s important to continue to do it with honesty and integrity because your family lives here,” Cr Bourke said.
“We brought our family up here and we love it, we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Cr Bourke, who is also a full-time Justice of the Peace and a registered civil marriage and funeral celebrant, said he loves his jobs and will always be active in the community.
“I love council and I love being a celebrant, I’m very lucky,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to be doing something you love.”
His other achievements include being honoured as Wyndham Citizen of the Year in 2005.
